Julie Bishop to contest Curtin for Liberals at next federal election

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FORMER foreign minister Julie Bishop has revealed her surprise that no WA federal MPs voted for her in last week's leadership vote, and says she was caught up in an "unbelievable conflict" within the Liberal Party.

The former deputy Liberal leader also said she believes there's a Queensland influence on the federal party.

Speaking about her decision to quit as foreign minister, Ms Bishop did not deny being told she wasn't wanted in Scott Morrison's new cabinet, Post Newspapers in Perth reported.

"I just felt it was best I not be part of that cabinet," Ms Bishop told the newspaper.

The 62-year-old didn't say whether her position was offered to someone else in exchange for a vote.

"I'm sure someone else could say," she said, adding that she "got caught up in" an "unbelievable conflict between the left and the right of my party."

Camera IconJulie Bishop will recontest the next federal election.Picture: AAP

Ms Bishop, who will stay in parliament on the back bench as the member for the Perth seat of Curtin, expressed surprise none of the other 11 federal MPs from WA voted for her in the August 24 leadership vote.

"It surprised me," she said.

"I always believed West Australians had a responsibility to look out for the interests of this state.

"There certainly is a Queensland influence, no question."

Ms Bishop said she believed she had the policy depth and experience for the top job, and the ability to put together a good team.

But she was also comfortable with the decisions she had taken, and will now concentrate on her campaign for Curtin at next year's election.

Ms Bishop launched a failed bid to replace Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister on August 24 but was knocked out in the first round of voting for the Liberal leadership.

Scott Morrison beat Peter Dutton in the final showdown to become prime minister.

Ms Bishop quit as foreign minister two days later after five years in the job and more than a decade as the Liberals' deputy leader.